The Karelian decade of arts and literature held in Moscow in 1959

The celebration of the decades of culture and arts in the national republics of the Soviet Union should be regarded as one of the major trends of the Soviet cultural policy in 1930-1960. The relevance of the topic is conditioned by the low level of research and comprehension of the effect caused by these celebrations on the development of culture and art in these republics. On the basis of historical data and periodical press, the content of the Decade of Karelian Art and Literature held in Moscow in 1959 was studied. We also analyzed the program of professional theatrical, musical, dance, and amateur groups. The work of the local writers, painters and sculptors, the exhibitions’ content and outreach programs of Karelian artists for Moscow and Moscow region were studied. The typical and specific organizational and celebration features of the Decade of Karelian Art and Literature held in 1959 were identified. The author came to a conclusion that celebrations of such Decades had a significant impact on the development of national culture.